There's nothing ordinary about Dstl's work
and responsibilities. As an organisation, we're
required to be curious, challenging, prepared
to take calculated risks, free thinking, creative,
innovative, analytical. And those are the
qualities we look for in our graduate recruits.
In the coming year, over 100 graduates will
join our team. As one of them, whatever your
subject, you'll work with some of the world's
finest minds in your field and with the best
available technology. From day one, you'll be
given the opportunity to contribute your
thoughts and ideas - to make your mark.
You'll shape your own development. Decide
on extra training to help you grow. Work in
cross-discipline groups. Be encouraged to
contribute papers and speak at gatherings.
You'll have the chance to travel. And you'll
take on responsibilities.
Two of our recent graduate recruits (after two
years or so with us) said we are 'employee
rather than employer centred' and 'amazingly
flexible'. We're rather pleased with that. It
sums up what we hope all members of our
team feel about working here. Of course, we
expect a lot. But we give a lot, too.
Name: Felicity
Age: 24
Job: Team Member, Information
Management
Qualifications: BSc(Hons) Geography
Why Dstl?
Although I studied geography, I realised I
was interested in working in a scientific
environment. I went to a science careers fair
and the Dstl representatives assured me that,
as a geographer, I would still be an asset to
the organisation.
What do you do day to day?
I work in ISTAR (Intelligence Surveillance
Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) and
have done since I started, although I moved
departments a year into my time here - but my
skills were transferable. We have flexible
working hours, so most days, I start work at
7am so I can finish early and make the most
of the day.
What are the best things about working at Dstl?
I really like that we are able to manage our
own flexi-time. It's also good to know that
you can move departments and jobs with the
full support of management, so we also have
flexibility in our careers.
Other Interests?
I am heavily involved in the Science and
Engineering Ambassadors Scheme (SEAS)
and I absolutely love it!We go out to schools
in the local community and get students
involved with and excited about science.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I do see myself still working at Dstl in five
years. Hopefully I will have completed a
research masters - something I'm currently
looking into - and could possibly be looking
at a secondment to another part of MOD.
Name: Tom
Age: 23
Job: Team Member, Air & Weapons Systems
Education: BEng in Computers, Electronics
and Communications
Why Dstl?
I came to work at Dstl after my 'A' levels, for a
placement year organised by the 'Year in
Industry' scheme. Dstl then sponsored me
throughout my degree and I came back during
the summer holidays and then after I graduated.
What do you do day to day?
My job is varied. One day I can be doing
computer modelling and the next out doing
field trials. I work hard but I really enjoy it.
What are the best things about working at Dstl?
The best part of the job for me is the
international collaboration. This year I have
been all over the UK and even spent ten days
in Florida as part of a technical collaboration
programme. And I hope to travel even more.
Other interests?
I am on the STEPS (Scheme for Technical
Events and Professional Support) committee
and have been organising this year's Inter-
Organisational Conference (IOC). This is an
event geared at promoting links between new
graduates in industry and academia.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Continuing to build my career in Dstl. I'm
interested in the people management side but I
wouldn't want to give up on my technical
work. Dstl offers team leader roles which
would allow me to do both. I'm not sure I'd get
that opportunity in many other organisations!
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